International Policy Comparisons

The below resources will provide background information that can help you draw comparisons between countries. For more specific information, search for topical books in the library catalog and journal articles in library indexes.

Articles on International Policy

Information in PAIS International and PAIS Archive covers topical public and social issues and the making and evaluating of public policy. Worldwide in geographic scope, PAIS International and PAIS Archive indexes publications in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish that deal with public affairs.

PAIS Archive is a retrospective database supplementing PAIS International containing more than 1.2 million records covering the years 1915-1976.

Basic Country Information

Presents easy-to-understand information on 200 countries and dependencies from around the world. Entries discuss a variety of topics in detail, from banking and securities to climate, from government data to demographic statistics.

Available in print at the Main Library Reference Desk.The Statesman's Yearbook includes reliable information on every country in the world, covering key historical events, population, social statistics, government, economy, industry, social institutions, religion, and culture.

"Presents the cultural similarities within a country that set it apart from others by examining over 200 countries to document the myriad ways in which culture defines and separates the nations of the world as much as geographical borders do. Surveys each country's shared values, behaviors and cultural variations from foods and rituals to pastimes and arts, using a standard entry format for easy comparison. "

Books on International Policy

Search in the library catalog on the name of the country or region you are interested in and the phrase "social policy" (also try "social service" or "human services" or "social work"). Some general titles are listed below:

"This publication highlights the principal features of social security programs in more than 170 countries. Published in collaboration with the International Social Security Association, one of four regional volumes is issued every six months."

An enormous, free database of statistical information gathered by the United Nations and related agencies. Includes data from more than 180 countries and from a diverse group of IGOs, including the FAO, Unesco, UNDP and the WHO.

The World Bank's Open Data initiative is intended to provide all users with access to World Bank data. The data catalog is a listing of available World Bank data sources. A key resource is the World Development Indicators.

The Human Development Report is an independent publication commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Data on a variety of quality of life (e.g., access to health care, life expectancy, education) variables are provided.

Consult this guide for a list of additional general sources and regional sources.

State Policy Comparisons

The below resources will provide background information that can help you draw comparisons between U.S. States. For more specific information, search for topical books in the library catalog and journal articles in library indexes.

"Presents individual state profiles, about ten pages each, that are uniformly structured to allow comparison of state history, the political environment, elections and voting behavior, the legislative branch, the executive branch, the judicial branch, intergovernmental relations, state-tribal relations (where applicable), and long-term issues and policy trends. ... Also included are some 175 A-to-Z topical entries discussing general concepts related to governmental functions and procedures."

State Government Websites

"This database contains information gleaned from the home pages and websites of the fifty state legislatures, the District of Columbia and the Territories. You can select to view specific website content materials (such as, bills, press rooms, statutes) from all states, one state or a selected list of states."

The National Conference of State Legislators is a bipartisan non-governmental organization that serves legislators and their staff by advocating for state issues, providing research, and allowing for exchange of ideas. You can find news, reports/policy research and bill summaries. Their magazine, State legislatures, features current news on state policy issues.

The Council of State Governments is a nonpartisan non-profit organization that serves all three branches of state government as a forum for discussion and collaboration to help shape public policy. The Knowledge Center includes news, policy resolutions, and statistics.